Aging with Spinal Cord Injury: An Update.

The 2016 National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center's Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Facts and Figures reports approximately 17,000 new cases yearly, approximately 54 cases per million. The past 40 years has brought a significant change in patterns of injury. The average age has increased from 29 years in the 1970s to approximately 42 years currently; it is believed it has plateaued. Aging persons with SCI may have a higher risk of developing other medical complications. Studies report a perceived improvement in quality of life among persons with SCI with age, influenced by psychological, medical, and environmental factors.